District Encourages Residents to Participate in the Amendment Process for the City’s Comprehensive Plan

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

[Plan]DC aims to get public feedback in shaping the future growth of the District

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser, the DC Office of Planning (OP), and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development have launched [Plan]DC this month, a citywide campaign encouraging District residents to help shape the future growth of the District by participating in the amendment process for the District’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year vision the District uses to guide future development within Washington, DC.

“We are launching [Plan] DC to ensure that the future growth and prosperity of the District reflects the interests of all residents and businesses who call Washington, DC home,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Together, we will develop a plan that creates positive and inclusive opportunities for residents and businesses across all 8 wards.”

The result of this effort is not a new Comprehensive Plan, but a set of amendments to the existing Plan proposed by OP, other District agencies and the public. The amendments will be submitted as legislation for DC Council approval in early 2018. The Comprehensive Plan was initially adopted in 2006 and last amended in 2011. The plan is a critical tool when allocating public services, infrastructure, and capital investments in DC. It also guides the use, density, and design of buildings within the nation’s capital. Having residents weigh in now will ensure they have a voice on the long-term planning of the District.

“The Office of Planning is working hard to get the word out to residents that we are starting the process to amend the Comprehensive Plan,” said Office of Planning Director Eric D. Shaw. “We are creating as many channels as possible for residents to let us know how to amend the Comprehensive Plan to continue to encourage inclusive, resilient growth and a dynamic District.”

With the massive city-wide advertising campaign currently underway, “street teams” will now be deployed to support OP’s outreach to residents in all eight wards to encourage them to share their ideas on amending the Plan.

Residents can provide comments and amendments by attending one of the public meetings listed below or by submitting proposed amendments during the open call period in early 2017.

Talk to your friends and neighbors about the future of the District and encourage them to participate in the process. Please visit plandc.dc.gov to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan amendment process and ways to participate.